Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice
If you’ve ever craved the citrusy rice from Chipotle, then this Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice is exactly what you need!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice preferably basmati
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or rice bran oil, like Chipotle uses
- 1 teaspoon salt kosher or sea salt
- 3 tbsp lime juice juiced (or 1 ½ key limes), add more to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and turns slightly translucent (about 2-3 minutes).1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Add the water, bay leaf, and salt, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.2 ¼ cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 bay leaf
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to steam.
- Taste the rice and see if it needs more salt. If it does, in a small bowl, mix the lime juice, and lemon hjuice with a pinch of salt until dissolved. Drizzle it over the rice, then fluff with a fork.If it doesn't need more salt, add the juices as is and fluff with a fork.3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and toss the rice to evenly distribute the flavors.¼ cup fresh cilantro
Notes
• Use basmati rice for the closest match to Chipotle’s rice texture.
• Rice bran oil is what Chipotle uses, but vegetable oil works just fine.
• Letting the rice rest covered after cooking is key to getting the perfect fluffy texture.
• Adjust the lime to taste, Chipotle’s rice has a light but noticeable citrus kick.